[2] Based on the biblical Parable of the Prodigal Son, the ballet L'enfant prodigue was presented in three acts with choreography by French ballet-master Pierre Gardel.

[6] The first act drew from the prayer of French composer Étienne Méhul's Joseph, Austrian composer Joseph Haydn's Reine de France romance, works by Italian violinist Giovanni Battista Viotti, and a symphony by Haydn in C.[8] Auguste Vestris, Beaupré, Émilie Bigottini, and Gosselin were key performers in the premiere held on 28 April 1812.

[6] The main roles were entrusted to the following principal dancers of the Opera de Paris: French emperor Napoleon selected the subject of the ballet from several librettos choreographer Pierre Gardel presented to him.

[5] In the first act, young Azaël, the Prodigal Son, declares his intent to leave home, lured by the allure of Memphis, the capital of Egypt.

Act two shifts to Memphis, where Azaël who arrives alone succumbs to indulgence, losing his wealth and betraying Lia, a virtuous Moabite girl who had fallen in love with him.